What is the best US medium or small sized city to live in without a car?

Question

I'm currently living in NYC. I'm starting to think about somewhere to relocate to in maybe a year or so. I've never gotten my driver's license. I tried once many years ago but I was just horrible. I'm looking for a smaller city where I can get around ok without a car. I've heard some good things about both Portland and Madison and if anyone wanted to extend their opinion regarding those two or add to my list, I'd be grateful.

I'd be renting and looking for something less than then I pay in NYC (obviously, ha)! I'd love a place that has concerts regularly and maybe a quiet bar with good beers. I also wouldn't mind some semblance of variety with local restaurant options. I'm an office manager working in the creative field so the availability of work at a design or advertising firm, publisher or something similar would be a plus (but not a deal-breaker).

Finally, I've been toying with the idea of getting a scooter that doesn't require a license for what that's worth.

Answer 1

Moved to Portland from Boston last June.  If you're looking for a big city, then your best bet is Seattle (Seattle reminds me of Boston).  Portland is a bit smaller in both density and scale than Seattle, but it is a great place to live.  It has great public transportation, which is free to ride in the downtown area, and it is bicycle friendly (there are also lots of scooters).  I live in what is called the Pearl District.  Free street car ride to downtown is 5 minutes and I can walk it in 12 minutes (I walk everywhere if possible).  The Pearl District also has lots of good restaurants, brew pubs and even a jazz club.  Portland is also full of creative types, publishers and graphic artists, so you will fit right in.  Free concerts in Washington Park in the summer (15 minute walk from the Pearl).

Chris

Answer 2

You might consider Seattle WA.  It may not be a "small" city but it is truly a city made up of

'neighborhoods' and has all the attributes you list as desirable PLUS a superb public transportation system.

Answer 3

I found Sedona Az quite beautiful.